N

Note that this term is not hyphenated. Native can stand alone, but should be capitalized. American Indian is also acceptable. In many cases, the tribal affiliation is the most appropriate term. Generally, use whatever term is preferred by the person or people you’re referencing.

Use numerals for 10 or more; spell out fractions and numbers that are less than 10. For round figures greater than 999,999, use million or billion after the initial numeral(s). For more precise numbers, use all numerals. Use commas in 1,000 and above.

In general, spell out ordinals for one hundredth and smaller, space permitting. Always spell out ordinals from first to ninth. Spell out numbered streets from First Street through Twelfth Street; numerals are usually used for streets with higher numbers. Ordinals in course titles are usually spelled out as well.

For inclusive numbers, abbreviate the second number by changing just those digits that are different from the first number.

pages 200–1, 200–11, 35–7; lines 106–7

An exception exists when discussing years, in which case the last two digits of the year are always shown.

2001–03, 1901–94

Spell out all numbers that begin a sentence, or reword the sentence.

Six credit hours of composition were required for a degree in liberal arts.

A liberal arts degree required 6 credit hours of composition.

Miscellaneous examples:

table 1, act 2, scene 3, step 4, chapter 5, item 6, the 1980s, class of ’95, a 5–4 score, a two-year-old child, a 54-million-year-old fossil, a $3 million gift, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 100-level courses, three and one-half (or three and a half) years, 90 years old